Purpose

Today is my 11th anniversary as an employee of AMBUCS. I love that I've spent the last decade helping kids like you.

Your mom is a nonprofit nerd who had (and still has) a big heart for higher education. My dream was to earn my PhD and rise in the ranks of faculty; however, as dreams sometimes do, my plan was replaced by my purpose.

When I was six months pregnant with your older sister, I was forced to deliver a tiny bundle, no bigger than a banana, who had tightly fisted hands and a cleft lip. At the time, I had no idea what Trisomy 18 was or that she had it. All I knew was she was a baby who wouldn't come home from the hospital, and that realization ate a hole straight through my heart.

My survival tactic was a shot in the dark. I decided to change course in the nonprofit sector and dedicate my knowledge to helping families that looked like mine. Six months later, I saw a job posting for AMBUCS.

I've often said, "AMBUCS saved my life." Several years later I realized AMBUCS was preparing my life.

For you.

Having a child with physical or cognitive differences is rather isolating. Our experience isn't perfect, but we can at least say we had an existing, built-in support network. There were people who loved you long before they met you. When you started to struggle to advance with your peers, people around the country rallied behind you to celebrate your comeback. I am a better mom and advocate because life led me here.

For you. And with you.

Shoulders Together,

Mama